Welcome to Mozambique

Situated on the south-eastern coast of Africa, Mozambique has
persevered through a violent civil war and terrible floods, and is
emerging from a ruinous past to once again stake its claim as one
of the jewels of Africa. A holiday in Mozambique provides a
combination of glorious weather, gorgeous scenery, friendly people
and great value for money, ensuring that this country is becoming
an increasingly trendy destination for global travellers. In fact,
Mozambique has become the 5th most-visited country in Africa in
recent years, drawing nearly 2.5 million annual tourists to its
welcoming shores.

The 1,500 miles (2,500km) of palm-fringed coastline is washed by
the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and graced with long white
beaches, excellent coral reefs and strings of pristine islands. The
idyllic Bazaruto archipelago, off the coast of the Inhambane
province, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the
country, consisting of four main islands that make up one of the
most beautiful places on the continent. The islands offer a classic
tropical getaway, with superb fishing, water sports, shaded
beaches, surf, and a marine park offering outstanding diving and
snorkelling opportunities.

Attracted by rumours of pearls in the 1700s, the Portuguese
established the capital city of Maputo, formerly Lourenzo Marques,
in the southern reaches of the country. It became one of the most
stylish cities in Africa, with broad avenues lined with jacaranda
and acacia trees, sidewalks paved with mosaics, tall buildings and
a unique Mediterranean/African atmosphere that attracted a wealthy
cosmopolitan crowd. The civil war left the city in a dismal state
of disrepair, and although still tainted by shabbiness, Maputo is
slowly recovering some of its former glory and today the bustling
capital reveals many Portuguese-style colonial buildings, and
offers culture and old world charm along with numerous places to
enjoy Mozambique's famous peri-peri prawns.

Lying just off the coast of Maputo is the popular Inhaca Island,
which has extensive coral reefs, a fascinating maritime museum and
a historical lighthouse. Most of the wildlife reserves are located
in the central and southern parts of the country, with the
exception of the important Niassa Reserve on the northern Tanzania
border; and although they were largely decimated during the civil
war, they are currently being restocked and improved, with large
populations of elephant, buffalo and antelope. North of Maputo
there are beautiful beaches, perfect for summer holidays, and a
number of centres that offer some of the best fishing in the world,
particularly the areas around Guinjata Bay and the Mozambique
Channel.

Mozambique is that rarest of holiday destinations that offers a
complete package to visitors.Whether you're seeking a sun and sand
beach holiday, or sport fishing and off-road adventures, warm and
welcoming Mozambique will cater to your every desire.

Attraction Overview

Mozambique offers visitors numerous things to see and do, as
well as dozens of beaches that are perfect for just lazing around
on. See the enormous sand dunes and freshwater lakes of Bazaruto
Island, or visit Benguerra Island's forests and wetlands. History
enthusiasts will enjoy Maputo's Museum of the Revolution or the
historic lighthouse on Inhaca Island.

Other attractions include Africa's second largest artificial
lake, Cahora Bassa, and 'the place where Noah parked his Ark',
Gorongosa National Park. Go horse riding on the beach in
Vilanculos, or scuba diving in its turquoise waters, and take a
trip on a Pemba Bay dhow. Ponta d'Ouro is good for swimming with
dolphins, or surfing one of the most perfect waves in the
world.

Business

Mozambique has largely been cut off from foreign investment and
has only in recent years started opening up to the worldwide
business community. Conducting business in Mozambique can be
difficult as many people only speak Portuguese, or their own ethnic
language. Translators are hard to come by, and most are found in
Maputo. Generally business in Mozambique follows the Portuguese
model in terms of business etiquette - punctuality is important,
dress is usually conservative (though lightweight materials are
recommended). Women, in particular, should dress conservatively and
modest behaviour is encouraged. Meetings usually start and end with
a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are
usually 7.30am or 8am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to 5.30pm, Monday to
Friday.

Climate

Mozambique's climate varies in the different regions of the
country, but generally, the inland areas are slightly cooler but
more humid than the coastal areas during the rainy season. Winter
is the dry season, lasting from April to September, and is the best
time to visit Mozambique. The southern parts of the country are
generally drier and less tropical than the north, with temperatures
along the coast averaging 80ºF (27ºC). The rainy season coincides
with the heat and humidity from October to March, with average
coastal temperatures of 88ºF (31ºC).

Communications

The international dialling code for Mozambique is +258. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are also in use, e.g. (0)1
for Maputo, (0)22 Xai Xai. Outgoing international calls, other than
for South Africa, must go through the operator. Two mobile phone
GSM 900/1800 networks provide limited coverage in and around
Maputo, Beira, some coastal locations and a few other isolated
towns. Internet cafes are available in Maputo.

Customs

Taking photographs of public buildings is prohibited by law.
Identity documents should be carried at all times.

Duty Free

Travellers to Mozambique may enter the country with the
following items and not incur customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g
tobacco, perfume for personal use, and 750ml of spirits. Drugs are
strictly prohibited and a permit is required for firearms and
ammunition.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The rounded
three-pin plug is common, particularly near the border with South
Africa and in Maputo. Two round- and flat-pin plugs are also
found.

Health

Health regulations in Mozambique require visitors to have a
yellow fever certificate if travelling from infected areas. Malaria
is a risk throughout the year in the whole country. Cholera and
other water-borne diseases are prevalent during the rainy season.
Diseases caused by unsanitary conditions are common throughout the
country, and untreated water should be considered unsafe to drink.
The government has declared tuberculosis (TB) a national emergency
and it is expected to be a problem for the next 15 years. Hospital
facilities are generally poor and outside the major cities of
Maputo and Beira medical facilities are limited. Comprehensive
medical insurance is essential and it is recommended that visitors
carry personal medical supplies with them.

Language

Portuguese is the official language, and there are 13
main national languages spoken. English is taught in secondary
schools, but is only spoken in the southern tourist
regions.

Money

The official currency is the New Metical (MZN), which is divided
into 100 centavos. In the southern parts of the country, South
African Rand, US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are also accepted to
pay for accommodation. Credit cards are accepted in some upmarket
hotels in Maputo, but facilities throughout the rest of the country
are limited; it is advisable to carry cash or travellers cheques.
ATMs are limited and tend to be unreliable, but local banks have
branches in most cities.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Mozambique must hold return/onward
tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses
while in the country. Visitors of most nationalities can obtain a
30-day tourist visa on arrival in Mozambique: the visa fee is USD
66, and further 30-day extensions are possible. Note that a yellow
fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Mozambique, if
arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an
infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport
has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date
of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials
often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and
official sources.

Safety

Safety in Mozambique is not usually an issue for visitors.
However, many unexploded landmines lie scattered about the country
and visitors are advised that it is extremely risky to wander off
well-travelled paths and roads: local information should be sought
before going off-road outside provincial capitals. Violent crime is
on the increase, including car hijackings and armed robbery. In the
cities, particularly Maputo, muggings, bag snatching and
pick-pocketing is common, and visitors are advised to be alert in
public places, to keep valuables out of sight and to avoid walking
anywhere at night. Identity documents should be carried at all
times. All visitors, especially women, should not walk alone on any
beach in Mozambique as there have been several severe attacks (and
rapes) on tourists. Overland travel after dark is not recommended
and travellers should be especially alert when driving near the
Mozambique-South African border. Police checkpoints are common and
foreigners are at risk of frequent harassment. Many roads can
become impassable in the rainy season (November to April), when
there is also a risk of cyclones.

Tipping

Tipping in Mozambique is not customary, although in tourist
areas a tip of 10% is expected.

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